Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Objects of Vertu

Rolex. A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with ‘no lume’ dial, Ref. 6238, ‘Pre-Daytona’, circa 1965.
Movement: cal. 72 B. manual winding, 17 jewels.
Dial: silvered, applied faceted baton indexes, engine-turned subsidiary dial for constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour register.
Case: stainless steel Oyster case, screw-down back and crown, no. 1226373, stainless steel Oyster bracelet.
Signed: case, dial, movement and bracelet.
Dimensions: diameter 36mm, bracelet circumference approximately 200mm.
Accessories: original receipt, service guarantee, spare link and presentation case.
£20,000-£30,000

The reference 6238 was produced between 1962 and 1968, and it is believed that approximately 2000 to 2500 pieces were manufactured (in all metals and dial variations). Known as the ‘Pre-Daytona’ by collectors, 6238 was the predecessor of the reference 6239 Cosmograph Daytona model - as such, it is an important model in Rolex’s history, marking a turning point in the development of the chronograph and how it is known today.


The present example was specifically made for the Japanese market with no lume to the dial or hands. It is thought that having any radioactive material on a watch would be seen as a deterrent, given the country's recent history. The dial still has 'T-Swiss-T’ printed at the bottom, as the dial printing process would not have been adjusted for a specific market.


Accompanied by its original receipt from the Asian retailer, this is a fantastic opportunity for a collector to obtain a rare example of the stunning and sort after reference 6238 ‘Pre-Daytona’.